Denzel Washington explains why he doesn’t consider himself a ‘Hollywood actor’

New York Post - Mar 23rd, 2025
Open on New York Post

Denzel Washington, during his appearance on "CBS Sunday Morning," clarified that he doesn't consider himself a "Hollywood actor." Instead, he identifies as a "Mt. Vernon actor" and emphasized his roots in stage acting. Washington expressed that he learned his craft on stage and considers theater an actor's medium, contrasting it with film, which he sees as a filmmaker's domain. Despite his extensive film career, including Oscar-winning performances in "Glory" and "Training Day," Washington maintains a strong connection to the stage, currently starring in a Broadway revival of "Othello" alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

This perspective highlights Washington's dedication to his craft and his preference for the authenticity and immediacy of theater. His comments also reflect a broader narrative about identity and perception in the entertainment industry, where labels such as "Hollywood actor" or "movie star" can overshadow one's dedication to the art of acting. Washington's stance challenges conventional notions of fame and encourages a focus on the craft itself, rather than the titles bestowed by others.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate account of Denzel Washington's views on his career and identity as an actor. It effectively highlights his background and achievements, offering insight into his personal philosophy. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency regarding its sources and a more balanced presentation by including alternative perspectives. While it is timely and of public interest, its impact is primarily informative rather than transformative. The content is clear and engaging, but it lacks elements that might provoke broader discussion or controversy. Overall, the article is a reliable resource for understanding Washington's career perspective, though it could be enhanced by additional context and source attribution.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately reflects Denzel Washington's statements and career history. Washington is indeed from Mt. Vernon, New York, and he began his career in theater before transitioning to film, as the article states. The article correctly mentions his Oscar wins for 'Glory' and 'Training Day,' and his nominations for other films, aligning with verifiable sources. The claim about his current involvement in a Broadway production is also factual. The story's accuracy is supported by reliable information, though it could benefit from direct citations or references to interviews and public records to enhance verifiability.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Denzel Washington's perspective, offering a detailed account of his views on being labeled a 'Hollywood actor.' While it provides a comprehensive look at his statements, the article lacks alternative viewpoints or responses from industry experts or peers that could offer a broader context. This singular focus might lead to an imbalanced presentation, as it doesn't explore how such labels might be perceived by others in the industry or the public.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey Washington's views on his career and identity as an actor. The logical flow from his personal background to his professional achievements helps maintain reader engagement. The tone is neutral, focusing on factual recounting of events and statements without editorializing. However, minor improvements could be made by providing more context around certain claims, such as the significance of his stage background in shaping his career.

6
Source quality

The article seems to rely on statements made by Denzel Washington, likely sourced from interviews and public appearances. However, it does not explicitly cite these sources, which affects the perceived reliability. The inclusion of specific interviews, such as his appearance on 'CBS Sunday Morning,' suggests credibility, yet the lack of direct references or links to these interviews limits the ability to verify the claims independently. Incorporating more diverse sources or direct quotes could enhance the article's reliability.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Washington's views and career, but it lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information. It does not disclose where or how the quotes were obtained, nor does it explain the methodology behind selecting these particular statements. The absence of such context makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the basis of the claims or assess any potential biases in the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://people.com/denzel-washington-religious-hollywood-essay-8749518
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2kMCStRQhk
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/denzel-washington-becomes-minister-hollywood-actor-admits-cant-talk-about-religion-industry
  4. https://vocal.media/psyche/denzel-washington-hollywood-actor-if-you-have-a-dream-and-no-goals-it-s-just-a-dream